CHAPTER X

Cameron carefully plastered a sign reading "Ms. Walden, Z.P.A. Guidance" on her door. She adjusted a small bonsai on a desk next to her patients' beanbag chair, placed a "Keep On Swimming" poster on the wall behind her desk, and—last but not least—adjusted a small golden statuette of a phoenix on the desk behind her own.

The guidance counselor backed up and held out her hands. "Mmh... much better!" she decided, satisfied with her redecoration. Then she checked her watch and quickly slipped into her chair, taking a deep breath. Okay. You can do this, she thought.

Right on cue, two knocks sounded on the door, and Jackson Wells slowly pushed it open. "Um, Ms. Walden?" he called meekly. "I'm, uh... here for my session..."

"Oh, yes! Jackson! Good morning to you!" Cameron greeted him cheerfully. She stood, gesturing to the beanbag chair, and said, "Please take a seat, and we can get started!" She hesitated before adding sheepishly, "Hope you don't mind bean-bags..."

"Nah, they're actually really nice! Heh..." Jack awkwardly sat down in the beanbag chair. "Also, I, um, like what you did with the new room! It's very... humble."

"Thank you!" Cameron rested her cheek on a hand. "Yes, I'm... very thankful to Zechariah for letting me change rooms. I kinda have a weird connection with my surroundings. The old room was just a little too intimidating on first arrival."

Jack nodded. "Yeah, I know what you mean."

There was an awkward moment of silence. Then Cameron said (a little too loudly), "So! You are my first official counseling session here at Z.P.A.! Is there, um, anything bothering you at all that you would like to talk about?"

Jack blinked, apparently thinking over the question.

"...Anything!" Cameron pressed. C'mon, Jack... please don't tell me you just came in here to chill or something...

"Um... well... I think for things I tell you to make sense," Jack began, shifting uncomfortably, "I kinda have to fill you about... myself. And my, um... 'condition'. Or, well... curse."

Cameron didn't comment, knowing that if things went the way they had so far, this explanation would only get weirder.

Jack took a deep breath and, without further ado, dove right into his origin story.

-

My parents were extremely close, according to my mother. And when she got pregnant with me, they were very excited. But... before I was born, my father was killed in a freak accident. My mother was... devastated by it.

In desperation, she turned to her sister—my Aunt Narissa, who... well, is married to the devil... as creepy as that sounds...

She begged him to make a deal, and as a gift to his wife, he granted my mother her wish: to give her unborn child the gift of eternal life.

But the devil's magic works in very odd ways... so his gift was really a curse. When I was born, he cursed me with immortality, along with a supernatural affinity for bad luck. And, heh... the thing is... I still feel pain.

-

"So, um... yeah..." Jack chuckled awkwardly, looking away. "Not being able to die on top of the crazy—often violent—things that happen to me... with the pain... it, um..." He swallowed the lump in his throat. "Yeah. Not fun."

A short moment of silence followed.

Jack frowned, noticing Cameron's baffled expression. "You okay, Ms. Walden?" he asked. "I'm sorry if my story's a little strange..."

"No, I... I'm just getting used to hearing about the... supernatural things," Cameron replied with a shaky smile. "And the devil being real..."

She paused and let out a puff of air from her cheeks. Then, regaining her composure, she straightened up and looked Jack in the eye. "I'm very sorry for your situation, Jackson," she said in a sincere tone. "It sounds... simply dreadful. What else would you like to share about your hardships? I can tell there's a lot you have to tell..."

"I really hope you don't mind me talking a lot about myself," Jack responded apologetically. "I just think it's a good idea to fill you in..."

"No, Jack, it's fine!" Cameron assured him. "It helps to know these things."

"Yeah, I'm sorry. It's just... been a while since I explained this stuff," Jack admitted. "I don't often tell people about the curse anymore..."

"Why is that?"

"Well... because..." Jack inhaled deeply and blurted, "It just gets so hard explaining it over and over to people—why so much crazy stuff happens to me, around me—and the moment I mention that it's an actual curse, people immediately get scared to be around me! I can't really blame them; they don't wanna get hurt... but sometimes I really don't like it! I don't like people avoiding me out of fear, and I don't like people thinking I'm making it up for attention!

"It just gets a little stressful sometimes," Jack babbled on, "plus some people think I'm pretty... well, weird, 'cuz the whole curse thing and my luck has made me pretty superstitious. It really doesn't help how people see me with all my behaviours and, um... customs. Heh."

The jackal finally slowed down, his voice growing quieter. "Most people here kinda avoid me for the most part," he mumbled. "Just seeing what kinda stuff happens... and finding me odd."

Cameron felt a stab of pity for the boy. She leaned forward and asked, "Do you have any real or close friends, Jack?"

"Oh, yes!" Jack replied, brightening up. "I have a few!" He rubbed his arm and looked away sheepishly, adding, "And honestly, I don't know what I'd do without my best friend Zill..."

"I think I know him," Cameron said. "In Jackie's class, right?" She frowned. "What kind of creature is he, anyway?"

"I have no idea!" Jack confessed. "I'm not sure he knows either! In fact, he always seems confused about it..."

"He doesn't know?" Cameron repeated, shocked.

"I don't think so," Jack confirmed.

"Hm." Cameron leaned back in her chair. "How long have you known Zill?"

"Since I found him!" Jack replied, sounding somewhat proud. "About 13 years now!"

"I... I'm sorry—you 'found' him?" Cameron echoed, confused.

"Yeah!"

"What do you mean by that?"

"Oh, heh... yeah! Sorry. Let me explain!" Jack cleared his throat and began again...

-

I was born in Safe Haven's Animal District. It's kind of a more "natural" environment, so my upbringing was more "traditional", I guess.

My mom never really explained my curse to me when I was younger. I just thought the world was against me, and that she didn't even care... so I ran away from home a lot back then. I just felt I had to escape somehow.

It was never much help, but I seemed to kinda enjoy the time away from her. I remember the last time I ran away, I was like 5, and during a really foggy, rainy night, I took shelter in a tree.

I heard some growling in the forest. It was really scary at the time, 'cuz most animals in the district forest respect private boundaries. Plus, I was young, too... heh...

I heard this creature emerge from the bushes. He approached the entrance where I was hiding. I had neeeeeeever seen anything like him before! And I was extremely scared.

He was really just curious about me, I think... but he behaved much more... well, bestial than what I was used to. He was like... well... an "animal". Which was new for me. Most animals in the district can still speak universally! 'specially upon first meeting...

Zill was extremely wary of me, and I was just terrified! But really, he was just extremely curious about me. Unlike me, Zill was just unafraid, and bold!

Also, surprisingly, unfazed by my curse.

In fact... for the first time... I had met someone who was not only unfazed by it, but he actually intervened! So really... Zill meant a lot to me almost right off the bat.

We actually kinda lived together in the forest for like a full month, getting to know each other as friends. He didn't talk to me at first, but when he started to talk, he only spoke Spanish! Which was, like, gibberish to me. So the language barrier was still there... but we still understood each other somehow...

After a while, I decided to actually bring Zill home with me! My mom was beyond happy I was back—but she didn't take kindly to Zill.

-

"How did Zill get his name?" Cameron asked, breaking into the story.

"Oh! Well, he spelled his name for me while we were in the forest," Jack explained.

"It's interesting!" Cameron remarked. "He was so intelligent despite living in the forest!"

"Well, I mean, lots of intelligent animals live in the wild!" Jack pointed out. "But I understand what you mean. Zill did come off as pretty primitive at first..."

"So did you two live together?"

"Actually, we did! For a little while, before we officially started school. Zill was with us through the move to the City District!"

-

During those first years, we taught him how to speak English. By the time we first started school, he was already decently bilingual!

A lot of other kids would call Zill names and stuff 'cuz of how he looked. He never let it get to him, though.

But when I was picked on...

-

"HAHA!! Take that, wimpy loser!" a small golden retriever named Ruben sneered at Jack after knocking him down with a dodgeball.

-

Zill didn't take kindly to that... heh...

-

Zill let out a growl, grabbed the dodgeball, and sent it hurtling back toward Ruben—only his throw caused the ball to become engulfed in green flames.

Ruben took the ball right to the face and fell over with a grunt.

-

Neither of us have ever really found out how exactly his "powers" seem to work... but he had a LOT less control back then.

-

"Oh, gosh!"

Zill and Jack turned as a small red kangaroo hopped past them, hurrying over to Ruben's side. "Are you okay?" she fretted, trying to help him up.

"Get off'a me, ya dumb girl!" Ruben barked, shoving the girl to the ground.

Zill's growl made a return, and his eyes turned green as he bared his teeth in anger.

-

Zill has always had issues with people who bully or attack...

-

Zill and Ruben marched toward each other, ready to settle their dispute like "men".

"Stop!" the kangaroo cried, leaping to her feet and stepping between them, holding each back with a hand. "No more!" She turned to Zill and told him, "I'm fine."

Then, facing Ruben, she snapped, "Both of you! NO FIGHTING! This is a playground!"

"Get outta my way, or I'll beat you up, too!" Ruben sneered at her. "I'm not afraid to hit a dumb gir—"

The kangaroo swung her fist, decking Ruben with ease. The dog fell onto his back, out like a light.

Zill and Jack stared at the girl with wide eyes.

The kangaroo wiped her nose. "Hmph!" She spun on her heel and marched away.

Zill watched her leave, completely smitten.

-

"Zill met his girlfriend Kayla on the first day of grade school."

"Oh, my!" Cameron exclaimed. "They've been dating that long? How sweet!"

"Oh, no!" Jack replied with a grin. "Heh... Zill didn't get with Kay for a while. Through most of school, he was... well... um... 'loose' with girls. He always had genuine feelings for Kayla, but he never had the guts to go for her. He just didn't think she'd be interested. Which, I guess, was understandable," Jack added. "He didn't have the best rep with the ladies growing up. He was a 'party animal'." He paused and chuckled. "Heh... sorry. Bad joke.

"BUT! He loved to sing! And he had a knack for it!" Jack went on. "So I suggested he try out for the school musical once we entered Z.P.A.!"

-

He scored the lead alongside Kayla in the show—and that was when they really got to know each other. Once they really got together, Zill really slowed down on his party lifestyle. It was interesting how much of a change there was...

But I was really happy that he had found such a nice, stable relationship. Plus Kayla is a wonderful girl, honestly!

-

Jack's enthusiasm slowly began to die away as he continued, "But... once he started dating... like I said... our relationship kinda... um... I dunno... changed?"

"Your 'relationship'? Changed?" Cameron tilted her head. "How so? Was he just less close as a friend?"

"Um... well... heh! I mean..." Jack forced a grin. "Maybe I said that the wrong way. It was just... it's hard to explain! He just suddenly had so many friends and attention once he changed with Kayla. I guess I just missed a little of the constant we had before he got into such a serious relationship. I'm just a little worried that... the way things might progress... that maybe he... eventually won't need me... as his friend..."

Jack slumped in the beanbag chair. "I'm sorry... it's a dumb worry."

"No, Jack," Cameron told him soothingly. "When a friend starts to change, or befriends other people, it's normal to feel worried about where you stand. But I'm sure if you two are as close as you say, you'll never grow apart!"

"Yeah?" Jack gave her a hopeful look.

Cameron nodded. Then she added, "Y'know, we've talked a lot about Zill... so why don't you tell me more about yourself? Do you have any other friends?"

Jack sighed. "I think that's why I have this insecurity," he replied, looking away. "Like I said before, I only have a few friends because people are scared to be around me... understandably..." He held up a finger and added, "I have one other really close friend... but I rarely see her."

"What about your family?"

"My family?" Jack grimaced. "Um... it's complicated. I think, deep down, I love my family... but... they just remind me directly of my curse. My mom used to take me to visit my aunt and uncle a lot..."

"Your uncle... the devil?" Cameron asked, seeking clarification as her face turned a bit pale.

"Yeah..." Jack sighed.

-

I felt very alone when I went... there. That side of my family has nothing in common with me. Plus, when Damian came along, he just became a constant pain. Sorry if that's mean to say. My family makes me look out for him a lot, so I tend to get frustrated with him often.

Anyways... even though it was pretty stupid, I decided one day just to sneak out of the palace. Just to clear my head. Outside of the protection of the palace gates, Hell is pretty dangerous. But I had kinda stopped worrying about my own physical well-being.

So my carelessness caught up with me... and a demon attacked me.

Yeah... I guess it was pretty freaky. Dangerous situations tend to shock me more than actually scare me.

But then... Jill showed up.

-

"Jill?" Cameron repeated.

"Yeah! I figured I was on the subject of my only close friends," Jack reminded her.

-

Jack watched in awe as a small purple catlike creature leapt onto the demon's back fearlessly. Her hand shifted into a scythe-like blade, and she literally cut the creature's heart out, sending it crashing to the ground.

-

She saved me...

Besides Zill, she was the only one who ever protected me.

Jill and I started spending time with each other after that. She was a stray half-demon who spent a lot of time fending for herself against other demons.

-

"Sorry if it seems like I'm jumping around too much," Jack added. "I get carried away..."

"It's fine, Jack," Cameron reassured him. "Go on."

-

Anyway, I loved spending time with Jill. She was so rough with everyone... but with me, she was so soft...

I snuck out to hang out with her during every Hell visit... and as we got older...

-

Jack trailed off and sighed. "I guess nothing really stays the same," he muttered, resting his face on a hand.

-

I encouraged her to take a test to be a member of the royal guard. She passed the test with flying colours and was accepted to live in the palace! I was so proud of her!

She ended up becoming head of the royal guard. I was so happy because we would be able to see each other much more often.

But then she met this guy she worked with... and kinda... ended up spending more time with him than with me...

-

Jack put his hands behind his head and stretched, closing his eyes to hold back the small amount of tears he felt forming. "Which... hurt a bit," he mumbled. "I had always hoped we would stay close... maybe even get closer..."

"So you had a crush on her?" Cameron asked softly.

Jack pulled his knees up to his chest and avoided her gaze. "Well... I crush easy." He sighed and turned around on the beanbag chair. "I'm happy she found someone, though," he said halfheartedly. "She deserves that. So does Zill. I just get lonely..." He smiled ruefully. "I'm sorry. This took a turn."

After another moment of hesitation, Jack turned back around and explained, "I don't want it to seem like I'm complaining about the fact that they're happy. I hope that's not what it sounds like..."

"It's fine, Jack," Cameron replied with a kind smile. "I can tell you're a very emotional person, and it's normal to get lonely in your situation. But I really think you'll be able to find someone in time. And besides, talking about these feelings are the point of counseling. So no need to apologize!

"You seem to talk very highly of others," Cameron went on, "but what about yourself? Besides the curse and all the negatives... tell me about Jackson."

"Me?" Jack said, pointing at himself in surprise.

"Yes!" Cameron confirmed. "Your interests, hobbies, goals—anything!"

"Um... well, let's see," Jack mused. "I play the drums! I also, um, work part-time at the Safe Haven Observatory. I really love space." He grew more excited as he went on. "Just everything about the universe and its infinite vastness fascinates! It's inspiring! I love studying astronomy and science!"

"Oh!" Cameron exclaimed, leaning forward in interest.

Jack's words came faster as he went on. "I also love to cook! That's my favourite hobby! I don't have many people to cook for, so I usually take food to the foster home—the same one that took Zill in for a while. I'm still deciding which path I'd like to take for a career: being, like, a real chef or going into astronomy.

"Next year is my final year at the academy," Jack continued, "so I'll need to decide soon what my final major will be. I'm still able to take plenty of classes for both, though!"

"Well, working at the observatory and being able to exercise your culinary skills gives you a good way to sample your career options," Cameron remarked. "I'm sure you'll make the right choice and have a successful career, Jack!"

"Thank you, Ms. Walden," Jack replied bashfully. "Thank you for listening! You're way more attentive than the last counselor."

"Well, that's what I'm here for," Cameron said modestly.

Jack straightened up in the beanbag chair. "So... are you still scared living here after the past few weeks?"

"Well... well, uh—yeah," Cameron confessed. "I mean... I'm getting used to things..." She gave Jack a grateful smile and added, "Talking to you wasn't scary. You're very kind; not frightening at all—past the fur, that is! Which alone is surprising. But there are a few people here who don't scare me as much. So thank you for... not being scary."

Jack beamed.

"Is there anything else you'd like to talk about in this session?" Cameron asked.

"I think that's enough for this time," Jack answered. "I don't want to overwhelm you." He stood and walked over to the door before glancing over his shoulder and adding, "Thanks again, Ms. Walden. Oh—and welcome to Safe Haven!"

"Take care, Jackson," Cameron said, smiling and waving.

-

P.O.V. – Jack

Jack left the room in much higher spirits than he'd been in when he'd entered. They said Ms. Walden scared easy, but she seemed so calm today, he thought. And she was so nice! I think these sessions are gonna be—

"UFF!" Jack grunted as someone suddenly slammed him up against a locker. He slid to the floor and rubbed his head, dazed by the blow.

"Watch where you're goin', wimp!" an all-too-familiar voice sneered.

Jack glanced up and saw Ruben—a.k.a. "Rusty", Z.P.A.'s resident bully—leering down at him. "You gonna cry or what?" the dog jeered.

"No...?" Jack replied, confused.

"Yeah, you are!" Ruben cackled. "P---y!" He sauntered away, laughing to himself.

Jack watched him go and then sighed. He got to his feet and trudged down the hall, thinking, I guess I shouldn't have expected anything else... I'm not sure the people here will ever accept me for who I am.

-

Later that day, Jack made his way to the Safe Haven Observatory, where his friend and employer Dan Darren was waiting. The bespectacled man was sitting at a computer in the lobby, tinkering with some data.

"Hey, Dan!" Jack greeted him as he entered the building.

Dan turned and grinned. "Jack! You're early!" he exclaimed. "It's barely dark out!"

"Yeah, I felt like coming in before my shift to relax a bit," Jack replied. "Can I go up?"

"Of course! Nobody's up there right now, so you should have it all to yourself," Dan told him.

"Thanks, Dan!" Jack pressed a button on the wall, opening a door and revealing a staircase that led to the top of the observatory. He threw on his blue work jacket and ascended the staircase.

Once he reached the observation deck, Jack took in a deep breath of fresh air and sighed, leaning on the railing and staring out across the horizon. "It's never lonely at night," he murmured to himself as the Fish of Peace came out to play among the stars.

-

P.O.V. – Cameron

Cameron poked her head inside Zechariah's office and called, "Z-Zechariah?"

The giant cheetah looked up from his desk, mildly surprised. "Ah. Miss Cameron," he greeted the counselor. "Did your first session go well?"

"Actually... it really did!" Cameron replied, beaming.